Cavs: The Podcast 0025 – Feeling Bullish

When last we recorded, Tom and I had the unfortunate responsibility of covering a horrible loss to the T-Wolves. Not anymore! After many, many, many, attempts, the Cavaliers finally took down their rival Chicago Bulls in an exciting victory.

On today’s Podcast Tom, Nate and I discuss the Cavs 101-98 win over the Chicago Bulls. Topics include Dion Waiters’ improvement, the Cavs’ offense, Luke Walton, Tristan Thompson, and the bench. We also touch on whether or not Kyrie and Dion Waiters can co-exist, and who is a better long-term piece – Wayne Ellington or CJ Miles.

14 Responses to “Cavs: The Podcast 0025 – Feeling Bullish”

If only there were a recent game, where Dion were this efficient and that Kyrie played in…let’s see, oh wait, how about the game right before this one. Where he was 11-17 against Miami. But, apparently, he wasn’t “free” in that game.

oh Rich….Of course they can co-exist and of course we all agreed to that end. My “free” remark was in response to his demeanor tonight, particularly in the 4th quarter. You’re just upset because C.J. Miles is good.

Well, I liked this one too, “Kyrie hasn’t played for a couple of weeks.” Except, you know, that 35 point game against New Orleans was less than a week ago. I mean, c’mon guys, you’re trying to build narratives that don’t exist.

Loved the podcast guys, but I’m gonna bring up a question? What do you think about Dion coming off the bench like he did with Syracuse so that he and Kyrie won’t have to coexist. And maybe Ellington starting instead?

dan13 – thanks! I’ve thought a lot about what you said here. There are benefits to that approach. Dion was very effective in that role earlier this season. It’s not inconceivable for 6th men to be better than most of the starters: Ginobili, Jason Terry, James Posey, (notice all championship teams?). However, I think whether or not Dion starts or comes off the bench, he and Kyrie are going to playing 40 minutes a night in a year or so. So there is going to be overlap and they need to figure out to increase each other’s effectiveness.

Honestly I’m just glad we are having this conversation. It means we’re past the: “Is Kyrie Irving any good? He only played how many games in college?” “Dion Waiters? Wait, he didn’t even work out for anyone and is overweight? How’s that gonna work out?” The Cavs have a bonafide franchise superstar and a guy with superstar potential – and both are under 22. How they mesh is going to be the next part of the fan experience.

I agree that Kyrie or Dion should be on the floor at all times. There’s no reason other than foul trouble that one of them shouldn’t be able to play the opening 10 minutes or so every game and tier their rest off. There really isn’t another guy on the team who can beat his man off the dribble and get the defense to collapse. Dion’s low turnover rate is pretty impressive for a rookie with a high usage rate.

I think that the Cavs are definitely moving to the “dual hybrid guard” situation that I talked about in the podcast, just like Houston, New York, Charlotte, Miami, and San Antonio run. If Dion, Kyrie, and Scott are smart, they’ll watch tape of those teams to figure out how they do it effectively. And I like the way the Cavs stagger Dion, even last game.

The Lineup: (Click for Author’s Archive)

Nate Smith is an Associate Editor. He grew up in Anchorage, Alaska, and moved to NE Ohio in 2000. He adopted the Cavs in 2003 and graduated from Kent State in 2009 with a BA in English. He can be contacted at oldseaminer@gmail.com or @oldseaminer on Twitter.

Tom Pestak is an Associate Editor. He's from the west side of Cleveland and lives and (mostly) dies by the success and (mostly) failures of his beloved teams. You can watch his fanaticism during Cavs games @tompestak.

Robert Attenweiler is a Staff Writer. Originally from OH, he's long made his home in NYC where he writes plays and screenplays (www.disgracedproductions.com) some of which end up being about Ohio, basketball or both. He has also written for The Classical and the blog Raising the Cadavalier. You can contact him at rattenweiler@gmail.com or @cadavalier.

Benjamin Werth is a Staff Writer. He was born in Cleveland and raised in Mentor, OH. He now lives in Germany where he is an opera singer and actor. He can be reached at blfwerth@gmail.com.

Cory Hughey is a Staff Writer. He grew up in Youngstown, the Gary, Indiana of Ohio. He graduated from Youngstown State in 2008 with a worthless telecommunications degree. He can be contacted at theleperfromwatts@yahoo.com or @coryhughey on Twitter.

David Wood is our Links Editor. He is a 2012 Graduate of Syracuse University with an English degree who loves bikes, beer, basketball, writing, and Rimbaud. He can be reached on Twitter: @nothingwood.

Mallory Factor is the voice of Cavs: The Podcast. By day Mallory works in fundraising and by night he runs a music business company. To see his music endeavors check out www.fivetracks.com. Hit him up at Malloryfactorii@gmail.com or @Malfii.

John Krolik is the Editor Emeritus of Cavs: The Blog. At present, he is pursuing a law degree at Tulane University. You can contact him at johnkrolik@gmail.com or @johnkrolik.

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